Test Drive Unlimited 2 might be lacking in some areas, but this is one instance where the sheer quantity of features prevails since their structure is thoughtful enough to make this game more than just a lazy vacation.

This all equates to a ridiculous amount of playtime and enjoyment. We poured over 15 hours into TDU2, having only pushed through a small sliver of the mulitplayer experience, and just a sixth of the way through the game’s leveling system (60 total). As frustrating as the first hour or so may be, the sheer amount of content and scope of the islands is enough to warrant a thumbs up from us. Test Drive Unlimited 2 isn’t perfect, but it sure is one addictively good time that’s worth a look.

Still, if you can get past the poor production values, there is a lot to love about Test Drive: Unlimited 2. It is a different kind of automotive game, and if you are looking for super-tight controls or an over-the-top arcade experience, you won't find it here. However, if you are looking for a unique take on a genre that has far too many conventions, this title should fit the bill rather nicely. Instead of borrowing from other, more popular franchises, Test Drive: Unlimited 2 takes some risks with their gameplay format, and for the most part, their gamble pays off. If you like exploring an open world, or are just looking for a change of pace with your automotive games, Test Drive: Unlimited 2 will get your motor running. Just don't expect to come out any time soon!

The Good: Some pretty visuals and scenery; decent sound. Great, idyllic environment. Diverse landscape and roads. Ranking up and building a very rich Collection is fulfilling. Very expansive; lots of things to do, especially online. The Bad: Technicals aren’t overly polished. Poor AI. Control can be iffy for some cars. Single-player pales in comparison to online multiplayer. The Ugly: Potentially terrible for your self-esteem.

Despite this review seeming very negative, TDU2 is a game where the sum does not equal the parts. The game is good, if you are looking for a different driving experience then this may be it, if you are willing to overlook some of the shortcomings you will become completely drawn into the world, you will want the best house, clothes and most importantly, car. With the right mindset and a wanting to like and enjoy the journey of TDU2 you will.

At it stands, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is like a used Ferrari with a broken passenger seat - a solid ride as long as the player doesn't mind some of the nicks and bumps and is willing to drive mostly alone. The hardcore racing fan will likely be turned off by the casual MMO style of the title, but TDU2 is an entirely different beast for a more even-paced audience who enjoys the simple fantasy of fast cars and elegant life. The temporary lack of clubs makes the game difficult to grade accurately other than for this particular moment in time, but once clubs get patched, go ahead and bump the grade one notch higher. For better or worse, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is literally a race against time.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 will most likely receive a cult following for its kooky characters and general offbeat atmosphere, and the solid multiplayer options will keep many coming back. A word of warning, however - give this one a rent before you go the whole hog, as the baffling physics and numerous technical oddities are sure to kill this ride for many.

Despite the 4+ year gap between the two games, there are numerous annoying aspects and glitches to TDU2 that I hoped had been ironed out by now. On top of the irritating cinematics and clunky non-driving gameplay elements, the game continues to feature some unpredictable AI when racing computer drivers. Some of the races you’ll engage in seem completely random, with opponents zooming ahead from the starting line and often winning the race before you’re past the second check-point. The in-car radio offers a disappointing two stations to choose between and the game is still plagued by fairly major server issues that detract from the promising online experience. Amazingly though, even with all these niggles and with a decent steering wheel (I strongly recommend the Logitech G27), TDU2 is still an enjoyable experience. It could be marketed as the perfect solution to any mid-life crisis because for many, it's the closest we'll ever get to hooning around sunny Ibiza in a Jaguar.

There is every chance you'll hate Test Drive Unlimited 2. While I've grown to almost love the freedom and sense of exploration, the driving takes a lot of getting used to and the developer's attempt at making the experience cool falls completely flat. Add to that a progression system that doesn't really let you play how you want, forcing you to take part in every aspect of the game's Collection, Social, Competition and Discovery elements, and it seems as though Eden is actively trying to make the experience tedious. For whatever reason, though, it's possible to become hooked, eager and willing to explore the island and collect as many cars as possible. It's just a crying shame that you're going to have to spend a fair amount of time being the egotistical spanner Eden clearly thinks you want to be, paying for countless haircuts, face lifts and fashion lines. Please Eden, next time just focus on the driving.

Despite TDU2's lack of realism and a force-fed story-mode, the game does provide an open-world experience that very few titles have succeeded with in the past. Exploring the rich roads of Ibiza and Oahu is an amazing feeling when driving some of the nicest cars in the world and being plugged into a competitive network of racers ready to speed down the coastline makes it even better.